SFC retired officers to get Shs600 million

Some of the retired Special Forces Command personnel
By Our reporter
ENTEBBE – The Special Forces Command (SFC) has retired 52 personnel, including eight senior officers, in a ceremony that highlighted President Yoweri Museveni’s reforms to the retirement system for soldiers. Officers in the General category now receive a lump sum of 600 million shillings, a house, and a vehicle.
SFC Commander Maj Gen David Mugisha said the retirees leave service with pride because Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces, redefined and institutionalised the retirement structure.
Among the eight senior SFC officers leaving the army are Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, and Majors. Maj Gen Mugisha commended the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his strategic leadership and its impact on modernising the UPDF and improving soldier welfare.
“His commitment to establish a dignified retirement framework has ensured that every soldier upon completion of his service, goes with his pride, dignity and financial support,” Maj Gen Mugisha said.
He said the SFC honours the incredible journey of its officers and soldiers, which he described as “a lifetime of sacrifice, commitment and valour.” “You have served with courage, integrity and distinction, often in silence, danger and in place many may never know. You defended our sovereignty, our country, protected our leaders and institutions and personified the ethos of the UPDF,” Maj Gen Mugisha added.
Col John Mango Baraza, SFC Director of Human Resource Management, presented the retirees for the award of Certificates of Service. He explained that retirement is a critical personnel function within professional military career management. “Sir, as we strive for professionalisation of the forces, retirement is fundamental since it ensures the balance in having a professional force. It also enables multi-career progression, ensures course continuity, networking with the civilian communities and enables them to invest their retirement packages wisely while still able,” Col Baraza said. He further described retirement as a turning point: “Retirement is one of the personnel functions through proper administration, career management and professional exit.” “Retirement is an important milestone someone can use to start new adventures and get more time with their family and so on.”
Lt Col Fred Mwesigwa, who spoke on behalf of five other senior retiring officers, thanked President Museveni for his visionary leadership and contribution to building a professional army. “There has been a remarkable transformation in implementing innovative strategies and modernising our operations, adopting new technologies and methodologies which have greatly enhanced our capabilities to tackle emerging challenges,” Lt Col Mwesigwa said.
Maj Gen Mugisha urged the retirees to make wise use of their packages by investing in agriculture and small, sustainable businesses. “Retirement is not the end but the new beginning, the battlefield may change but the mission continues in your homes, communities and the country at large. I urge you to maintain the discipline and ethos you have held while in service,” he said.
He also advised against risky ventures that could waste their retirement benefits: “You should avoid high risk ventures that may undo your years in service and remain Ambassadors of our values in your communities.” Capt Emmy Rubonga, speaking on behalf of the retiring other ranks, thanked the President for guiding the UPDF and credited the CDF for making it a top-tier force. “For the period we have served in the army, we have gained a lot. To the CDF, we wish him long life because he has endeavored to make the UPDF the best forces in the region and the continent at large,” Capt Rubonga said.